What is the New Kadampa Tradition?
The New Kadampa Tradition is a family of over 1000 meditation centres in nearly 40 countries throughout the world. The NKT is dedicated to providing people the opportunity to meet Buddhist teachings, put them into practice, and to bring internal and external peace to all without exception.
Although the NKT was formally founded by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso (affectionately known as Geshe-la) in 1991, Kadampa Buddhism has a direct and unbroken link of qualified Spiritual Guides stretching back to Buddha Shakyamuni himself. Each of these Spiritual Guides realized Buddha’s teachings thoroughly and perfectly and then pasted them on to succeeding generations.
Geshe-la was born in Tibet in 1932, and showed a keen interest in spiritual practice from a very early age. He ordained as a Buddhist monk at the age of eight and entered a monastic college where he studied Dharma throughout his formative years. Later in life he was requested to come to the West and teach. Since then, Geshe-la has authored 20 acclaimed books that clearly reveal all the stages of the spiritual path required to achieve the unsurpassed happiness of full enlightenment.
The NKT owes its success to the power of each student’s love, compassion, and wisdom that has arisen through putting Dharma instructions into practice, and to the unmistaken example and guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
There seem to be different types of Buddhism, what are the differences?
There are two main types of Buddhist traditions, the Hinayana and the Mahayana. Within each these two divisions there are many other Buddhist schools. Hinayana disciples ultimately strive to seek a permanent personal liberation from all suffering. This state of personal freedom is known as nirvana. It is a realm of unending bliss and happiness. Beings who achieve the state of nirvana strongly wish others to be free from their suffering. Unfortunately, they do not have the opportunity to help them achieve it. This is because they abide in a state of solitary concentration and bliss, and in general, remain unaware of others around them.
Mahayana disciples strive to not only attain liberation (nirvana), but to continue to improve the power and scope of their mind until they achieve full enlightenment. The state of enlightenment is the highest and most powerful state of consciousness that sentient beings can attain. An enlightened being has inconceivable good qualities, and they abide in a state of mental freedom and bliss that is vastly superior to that of nirvana. More importantly, an enlightened being or Buddha has only one purpose, to lead all beings to the same state of bliss that they themselves enjoy.
London Mahayana Buddhist Centre is a member of the New Kadampa Tradition and Kadampa Buddhism is a Mahayana tradition and teaches all the stages of the path that lead to full enlightenment. Buddha taught that all beings will eventually achieve enlightenment, even those who abide in nirvana. However, the only way to attain this state is by developing the wish to become an enlightened being and then applying the effort needed to transform our mind.
FAQ's about
Meditation & Buddhism
Do I need to have experience in meditation to attend these meditation classes?
No previous meditation experience is required. The meditations in General Program classes are very easy to learn and practice. To become a skilful meditator all that is required is a consistent daily practice.
If I miss one or two classes in a course can I still come?
Yes, please rejoin whenever you wish. Each class looks at a particular subject and in that way is self-contained. If having rejoined you find that you are unfamiliar with certain words or concepts please ask questions during the question and answer period. All questions are greatly appreciated.
What should I expect a typical class?
A typical class consists of a talk that either explores the faults of negative minds and behaviors, and how we can overcome them, or ways of identifying, increasing, and enhancing all of our positive qualities. This is followed by a question and answer period. Depending upon the conditions of each venue there may be an opportunity for refreshments. Finally, the teacher provides clear instruction on how to prepare to meditate, and then guides the students to the object of meditation.
Do I need to have any special qualifications in order to attend these classes?
No. Buddhist teachings and wisdom are for everybody. The purpose of General Program classes is to offer methods to help people reduce their unhappiness, fear, stress, anxiety, anger, and confusion. Just as a doctor prescribes medicine to everyone regardless of their beliefs, so these classes are medicine for everyone regardless of their beliefs.
What do I need to bring to class? How should I dress?
You do not have to bring anything special with you, such as cushions, mats etc. Some people find it helpful to take notes so they can remember specific points or concepts. Dress is casual and comfortable.
What relevance does Buddhism have for our current day lives?
Although Buddha Shakyamuni lived 2500 years ago, the wisdom and compassion that he taught are as relevant today as they were then. It is clear that despite enormous developments in science, technology, and material possessions, human beings have not experienced a corresponding increase in peace and happiness. Wisdom, compassion, and other virtuous states of mind do not become outdated or old-fashioned, nor do they do they loose their power with time. We are very fortunate to still have access to the profound wisdom that Buddha taught. It has brought immeasurable joy to millions of spiritual practitioners in the last two millennia.
Is Buddhism a religion or a philosophy?
Buddhist teachings have a very powerful and appealing philosophical component to them. From one point of view you could say the Dharma is a philosophy. However, Buddha strongly wished his teachings be put into practice and not left at the level of information.